12 ways to stay positive

Got the winter blues? Been a bit self-critical lately? Use this list of ways to help maintain a positive mental attitude.

If things have been getting you down lately, hopefully our 12 steps to positive thinking might help you to see things differently…

1. Surround yourself with positive people – their positivity will rub off on you and you’ll find yourself looking on the bright side of things.

2. Give back to the community – dedicate some of your time to helping others by volunteering and seeing the positive impact this creates.

3. Exercise – get moving! The endorphins released will give you a glow inside and out.

4. Nature – appreciation of nature has long been used as a tool for positivity. Get out there and go for a hike, a bike ride or a surf. The natural light will also help.

5. Make something – arts and crafts can give you a focus and help aid you in feeling calm. You could also meet some lovely new friends.

6. Be grateful – make a list (weekly, or even daily) of all the things you have to be grateful for: your friends, family, your lazy cat, and focus on these parts of your life.

7. Take time out – ensure you are getting enough rest and you are looking after yourself, eating well and not rushing around all the time. This will ensure you have plenty of energy for positive thinking.

8. Meditation or yoga – bring attention purely to your breath. In and out, in and out. This will help you stay calm and grounded.

9. Smile – force yourself. Before long, it will feel natural. Can’t face the day? Ease yourself in by stopping at a café on the way to your first lecture and being friendly to the person making your coffee.

10. Sing and dance – really let loose and bellow out those lyrics, throw all of those shapes and feel your whole body release its tension.

11. Talk it out – tell a friend how you’re feeling, or seek out the counselling service on campus. At Plymouth University there is always someone to share your feelings with.